Dr. Pipat Yingseri of the Public Health Ministry said that free condoms would be provided on request at the 20th World Scout Jamboree being held near Pattaya from Dec 28 to Jan 7. The ministry is responding to past reports of sexual activity among participants at scout gatherings.

"We are preparing the condoms to prevent AIDS, not to encourage sexual activity. In case they need them they can ask for them from us," Yingseri said.

Nearly 20,000 scouts from 80 nations are converging on the Land of Smiles, most aged between 14 and 18 years old.

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